West Ham United reportedly made an offer for Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gomez in the summer but it was rejected.

That is according to the player’s agent Augusto Paraja.

Speaking to Cardinal Deportivo, as reported by Color ABC, he explained that West Ham had an offer rejected for the Palmeiras star as they failed to meet the Brazilian side’s price-tag. He also explained that a move to Mexico was off the cards for the player and they would reassess his future once the Brazilian season comes to an end.

“Palmeiras does not want to sell him now and for that amount, he asks for more and is working to satisfy what Palmeiras wants.

“We didn’t want to go there (Mexico). Today he does not intend to leave Palmeiras, is very focused on fighting the championship with the club, but when the Brazilian tournament ends we will analyze it.”

It was reported this week on Yahoo! Esportes that West Ham had an €18 million (£16.2m) approach for the player rejected in the summer.

TBR’s View

There is no doubt that West Ham’s current recruitment team can spot a South American talent. Gomez’s international team-mate Fabian Balbuena has proved a successful addition since his arrival from Corinthians.

(Photo by Lucas Uebel/Getty Images)

The parallels with Gomez are clear for all to see. He is also a Paraguayan international centre-back thriving in Brazilian football.

However, the 26-year-old also has experience with a top European club, having spent three years on the books at AC Milan.

West Ham are certainly right to be keeping track of the 33-cap star, even if that current price-tag is looking steep.